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Prolonging Bacterial Viability in Biological Concrete: Coated Expanded Clay Particles
Ronaldas Jakubovskis1, Augusta Jankutė1,2, Simona Guobužaitė1,2
1Institute of Building and Bridge Structures Laboratory of Innovative Building Structures, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Abstract:
One of the biggest challenges in the development of a biological self-healing concrete is to ensure the long-term viability of bacteria that are embedded in the concrete. In the present study, a coated expanded clay (EC) is investigated for its potential use as a bacterial carrier in biological concrete. Eight different materials for coatings were selected considering cost, workability and accessibility in the construction industry. Long-term (56 days) viability analysis was conducted with a final evaluation of each coating performance. Our results indicate that healing efficiency in biological concrete specimens is strongly related to viable bacteria present in the healing agent. More viable bacteria-containing specimens exhibited a higher crack closure ratio. Our data suggest that the additional coating of EC particles improves long-term bacterial viability and, consequently, provides efficient crack healing in biological concrete.
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